The watch list order issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the subsequent temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court, and her eventual hospital arrest generated a lot of legal controversy. Arroyo, her family, allies and lawyers claim that the issuance of the order was illegal because there had been no case filed against her during the time it was issued. This assertion was reinforced by the issuance of the TRO by the High Court.

The Aquino administration and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said it is within their authority to do so to prevent Arroyo from eluding justice

Well, clearly the Aquino administration took its sweet time in filing the cases, thus they had to act in haste when Arroyo attempted to leave.

The legality or illegality of the hold departure order and eventual arrest of Arroyo rest on hairsplitting arguments. But one thing is for sure, Arroyo, her family and allies have a lot to answer for. In the interest of the quest for justice, Bulatlat.com is reposting its article on the crimes of the Arroyo government against the Filipino people.